Experts warn Surrey residents that storing medication in heat or humidity could make it ineffective—especially birth control pills. Room temp is safest.
Urgent Warning: Medication Storage Could Impact Effectiveness
Health professionals are issuing an urgent alert to Surrey residents: storing medications—particularly birth control—in the wrong conditions could significantly reduce their effectiveness or even render them useless.
Incorrect Storage Linked to Medication Failure
According to Medical News Today, medications like birth control pills should always be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures—both hot and cold—can damage the chemical composition of pills, reducing their potency without any visible signs.
Common Summer Habits Can Pose Risks
With temperatures soaring across many parts of the UK and Canada this week, experts are reminding people not to leave prescriptions in hot cars, bathrooms, or kitchen cupboards, where humidity and temperature spikes are common. Likewise, cold environments—like cars in winter or refrigerators—can also affect pill stability.
Birth Control at Highest Risk
The warning is particularly relevant for those using oral contraceptives, as their hormonal composition is highly sensitive to environmental changes. Damage caused by heat or humidity might not be immediately visible, but the consequences—such as reduced contraceptive protection—can be serious.
“If you suspect your birth control has been exposed to extreme conditions, discard it and use a backup method,” the report advises. “Store it at room temperature in a dry, stable environment.”
What To Do If You’re Unsure
If you’re not sure whether your medication has been compromised, check the storage guidance on the packaging or consult your pharmacist. Experts recommend not taking risks, especially when dealing with medications that regulate hormonal balance or prevent pregnancy.
Free Contraceptive Services Available in Surrey
As a reminder, contraception is available free of charge and confidentially through various NHS services across Canada. This includes:
- Family planning or sexual health clinics
- Select GP surgeries
- Participating pharmacies (some offer the contraceptive pill without a prescription)
